The off-shoulder outfit was a creation of Monique Lhuiller, the US-based Filipino designer who has also designed gowns for Hollywood celebrities Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Kristen Stewart and Hillary Duff.

Alcasid’s gray suit was by Randy Ortiz. “I have nothing against the barong Tagalog. It’s just that parang mas pogi kasi ako (I look more dashing in a suit),” he told the Inquirer in a previous interview.

The ceremony was held at The Peak, Terrazas de Punta Fuego Resort, Nasugbu, Batangas.

The wedding was set in time for the sunset. “A thousand butterflies were released while Regine was walking down the aisle. They all clung to her. It was an amazing sight,” Laurel said. “Everyone cried when the couple exchanged their marriage vows.”

Velasquez sang the APO Hiking Society original “Awit ng Pag-ibig” as part of her wedding pledge. She ended it by saying: “I’ve never felt so happy all my life.”

‘So romantic’
Hyped as the “Wedding of the Decade,” the Christian ceremony began at 4 p.m., officiated by Pastor Clem Guillermo and Nasugbu Mayor Tony Barcelon.

President Benigno Aquino III was one of the groomsmen.

“The swimming pool was covered with fiberglass. The couple crossed it and climbed a flight of stairs on their way to the altar. It was so romantic,” said Redgie Acuña-Magno, GMA 7 senior program manager.